NFL Week 3 Wrap-up

Lots of interesting stuff from this past week.

We've seen this before...

1. Michael Vick
I know people are touting Vick's return and saying he's better than he was while he was a Falcon. It's only 10 quarters of play, so let's curb that a bit. There are noticeable and encouraging differences from his days in the ATL. He's is more patient in the pocket. The fact that Vick is the most sacked QB in the NFL gives you a slight indication that he's more willing to stay in the pocket. He has regained most, if not all, of his explosiveness. And he's got the backing of his whole team. Long way he's come in a short time.

2. Cincinnati Bengals offense
Weren't a lot of experts predicting an outburst from the Bengals offense? Hasn't even materialized in the season's first three games. The Bengals have scored five, count 'em, five TDs. Kicker Mike Nugent, who has been perfect in the kicking department, has more field goals with eight. Nugent is the Bengals offense at this point. Carson Palmer has looked ordinary. Cedric Benson has yet to crack 100 yards in a game. Ochocinco and T.O. have 1 TD between them.

Awesome catch!

3. Kansas City Chiefs
Before Chiefs fans get too carried away, I'd like to remind them of their opponents combined record: 1-8 (San Diego has charted the only win). That being said, bringing in Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel have proven to be a positive move. QB Matt Cassel quite possibly his best day as a Chief against the now hapless San Francisco 49ers. Yes, I love seeing the Chiefs win, but the next two games on their schedule will tell us a lot about them(at Indy and at Houston). Todd Haley and the guys get this week off. They'll need two weeks to prep for the Colts and #18.

4. Washington Redskins
In week 2 the Redskins blew a 17 point second half lead against the Texans. Last week, they were pretty much humiliated against the St. Louis Rams although they did hold a 16-14 lead in the third quarter. In the Redskins last 6 quarters and part of an OT, they have scored 23 points while surrendering 53. Sorry, but Albert Haynesworth cannot be that big of a distraction. Speaking of distractions, the 'Skins travel to Philly as Donovan McNabb returns "home".

Glad the Jets are letting Sanchez throw

5. Mark Sanchez is pretty good
I'm still a bit apprehensive at believing Sanchez has arrives, but he does more each week to build my confidence. After a less than impressive performance in the opener against Baltimore (and who don't they make look unimpressive), Sanchez is 36-58, 476 yards, 6 TD and 0 INT. He's currently 6th in the NFL in passer rating (104.9). Slowly, ever so slowly, you can see that Rex Ryan and his offensive staff are unraveling the wraps on Sanchez. It makes the Jets offense better. The Jets visit Buffalo next week in a game that will test them coming off two big divisional wins. Buffalo put a scare into New England last week.

6. Does it matter who plays QB for the Steelers?
I don't think it does. I don't think there's a more prideful group than the Steelers defense. They know their #1 QB is out for another week, but that's not even in their minds. The Steel Curtain has returned due to the return of S Troy Polamalu and DL Aaron Smith, one a Pro-Bowler and the other is as underrated as they come. The Steelers face the Ravens this week. Tighten the chinstraps!

7. Kicking woes

Both the New Orleans Saints and the Oakland Raiders lost games due to their place kickers missing chip shots. Oakland's Sebastian Janikowski missed a 32 yard attempt as time expired in regulation giving the Arizona Cardinals a 24-23 win. That's a rarity. New Orleans hero from last postseason, Garrett Hartley, missed a 29 yarder with about nine minutes left in overtime as the Saints fell to the Atlanta Falcons, 27-24. Those head coaches know how Wade Phillips and Gary Kubiak felt last season as both saw their kickers miss crucial field goals. Those two kickers aren't with their 2009 teams either. The Saints are even exploring bringing back (again) John Carney. Could be a longer season in New Orleans than most thought especially with the offense struggling.

Notable games for the upcoming week:
Baltimore at Pittsburgh, Washington at Philadelphia, New England at Miami (Monday night)